Dave MacLellan
The Nomads overcame innumerable obstacles to defeat a desperate Cats outfit in Muswellbrook by 12.9 (81) to 11.5 (71). This was the first New England victory in Muswellbrook since 2004 and although undermanned was also their best victory of the season.

The Cats fielded a full side that was possibly their strongest of what has been a dismal year and welcomed back Adam White, who kicked three. The Nomads on the other hand were forced to play 16-a-side after the late withdrawal of Adrian Walsh and the late arrival of Jamie Vesey.

The game was an arm-wrestle throughout with pressure applied by both sides all over the field. The Nomads trailed by small margins throughout the first half, but increased their intensity after half time with a five goal third quarter giving the visitors a comfortable buffer. The Nomads scored only one goal in the final term but defensive pressure and good communication allowed the backline to hold the Cats to only two goals.

Matt Maxwell and Anthony Reid were a dominant combination, often winning the rucks and centre clearances with apparent ease. Ben Page and schoolboy Kenny Clayton provided midfield support and never stopped running, providing quality delivery into the forward line. Missing star Weston Whitby, a reshuffled forward line fired well with Dylan McGrath (4), Dave Dunlop (2) and Anthony Reid (2) all scoring multiple goals.

The win was confidence boosting for the Nomads, who will be very short of numbers to face the resurgent Gunnedah & District Bulldogs next weekend.

This entry was posted on Monday, June 23rd, 2008 at 4:24 pm and is filed under Match report. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.